Executive Director

Executive Director

Saratoga Rowing Association | Saratoga Springs, New York

About Saratoga Rowing Association

At Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA), we don’t just win races; we build community. 

Our mission is to strengthen our community by promoting the sport and culture of rowing, fostering excellence and integrity in our athletes, and growing Saratoga as a premier rowing destination.

SRA serves athletes and families across all stages of life—from youth learning their first stroke to elite athletes pursuing national and Olympic competition, to adults finding lifelong friendships on the water. We strive to create a welcoming “third place”: a space beyond home and school or work where people find belonging, challenge, and joy.

With high level infrastructure, community involvement, and tremendous natural resources, SRA plays host to the rowing world through several regattas including Saratoga Invitational, New York State Collegiate Championships, New York State High School Championships, and the Head of the Fish as well as several smaller events.

Saratoga Springs is one of the most vibrant communities in New York State (NYS) and is an amazing place to row!  Our facilities are located at the intersection of Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek where the water has a history of rowing dating back to the 1800’s.  The majority of training takes place on a 5,000 meter stretch of the creek which also hosts our Regatta Course with (10) fully buoyed lanes. In addition to the creek, the lake offers a 17K perimeter on a calm day.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead SRA into its next chapter.

The Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for advancing SRA’s mission, culture, and long-term strategic vision. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees staff, programs, finances, and operations while ensuring that the SRA experience reflects our core values of community, excellence, and integrity.

The successful candidate will be a superior communicator with a deep commitment to community building through sport, courage to lead with a service-oriented leadership style, willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and the vision and competence to move initiatives forward with sustainable fiscal viability. 

Key responsibilities for the Executive Director

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. The Executive Director will guide the organization’s future while supporting the day-to-day work that makes SRA a thriving community for athletes and families. Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Create a positive team environment that promotes growth in the SRA community through athlete and volunteer recruitment, member retention and regatta participation. 
• Foster an environment within the organization that prioritizes the physical and psychological safety of the members of SRA.
• Manage the contributions and professional growth of up to six full time head coaches, several part time coaches and seasonal coaches, as well as administrative staff. Related functions include day-to-day operational oversight and Human Resources responsibilities.
• Serve as the outgoing face of the club and strengthen relationships within the broader Saratoga community. 
• Oversee the fiscal health of the club by creating and working within budgets and ensuring completion of all required financial audits and Board reporting.
• Ensure the club functions within standard business and operating practices, guidelines, rules, and regulations for NYS and USRowing organizations. 
• Develop a strategic plan to continue moving SRA forward.
• Provide oversight and visibility for fundraising and regattas.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS)
• Leadership in a nonprofit, youth sports organization, or mission-driven enterprise.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex organizations, teams, or multi-program operations.
• Proven success managing budgets.
• Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Advanced degree such as MBA or JD
• $1M budget management experience
• Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Experience managing youth sports, particularly middle school and high school athletic programs or organizations.
• Fundraising, donor development, or nonprofit revenue generation experience.
• Event management experience, particularly large athletic events or regattas.

Salary and Benefits

This position is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $85,000 to $105,000.  

Additional benefits include:  SIMPLE Plan retirement match up to 2%, five paid holidays, vacation accrued through time served up to 4 weeks a year.  For those opting into SRA health insurance, SRA contributes toward the monthly premium.

How to Apply

• Be sure to read the additional resources below.
• Send a letter of interest and resume along with the contact information for 3 references to: Search Committee at (human.resources@saratogarowing.com).

Additional Resources (Please read to ensure good fit for position)

• A description of what is expected from the Executive Director (https://www.saratogarowing.com/executivedirector)
• Saratoga Springs, NY is an incredible place to live and work.  Mainstreet is frequently honored as one of the best in the United States for its walkability, vibrant shopping, and diverse dining.  (https://www.saratoga.org/live/)
• Meet the staff (https://club.saratogarowing.com/team)
• Saratoga Rowing Association website (https://www.saratogarowing.com)